This paper investigates the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing infrastructure governance and economic outcomes. Through a bibliometric analysis spanning more than two decades of research from 2000 to 2024, the study examines global trends in AI applications within infrastructure projects. The analysis reveals significant research themes across diverse sectors, including urban development, healthcare, and environmental management, highlighting the broad relevance of AI technologies. In urban development, the integration of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is advancing smart city initiatives by improving infrastructure systems through enhanced data-driven decision-making. In healthcare, AI is revolutionizing patient care, improving diagnostic accuracy, and optimizing treatment strategies. Environmental management is benefiting from AI’s potential to monitor and conserve natural resources, contributing to sustainability and crisis management efforts. The study also explores the synergy between AI and blockchain technology, emphasizing its role in ensuring data security, transparency, and efficiency in various applications. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in AI research and implementation, advocating for ethical considerations and strong governance frameworks to harness AI’s full potential responsibly.

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in the field of auditing has gained increasing attention. This paper explores the application of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control (ARAC), aiming to improve audit efficiency and effectiveness. First, the paper introduces the basic concepts of AI technology and its application background in the auditing field. Then, it provides a detailed analysis of the specific applications of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control, including data analysis, risk prediction, automated auditing, continuous monitoring, intelligent decision support, and compliance checks. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities of AI technology in audit risk assessment and control, as well as future research directions.

Adult vocational training of higher education institutes has great potential to help workforce coping with uncertainties of the fast-changing Labor market in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0. However, the lack of clarity regarding strategies for effectively establishing adult vocational training in higher education institutes may hinder progress. The aim of this study was to develop agreed strategies of adult vocational training for higher education institutes in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The 3-round Delphi method used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to explore and reach an agreement on the future direction of the strategies. The semi-structured interview was used in the first round to explore the ideas in relation to such strategies. the questionnaires were used in the second and the third rounds to explore further and reach the consensus on expert opinions defined at interquartile range (IQR) ≤ 1. Besides that, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods were used to calculate the weights of each consented statements. Through Delphi method, the comprehensive strategies have been articulated with the highlights of 1 vision, 6 goals and 40 actionable strategies. furthermore, the experts commonly highlighted that the vision of future adult vocational training shall prioritizes cultivating skilled professionals with industrial needs, offering everyone accessible opportunities for career development. Besides that, the result also showed that reskilling and upskilling and extending the leaners’ interpersonal networks have been ranked as the two most important goals for future adult vocational training in higher education institutes.

Political patronage has become a notable concern in the South African public sector, often compared to a new epidemic because of its adverse effects on governance and public administration. This phenomenon involves by political leaders offering rewards and appointment people for key government positions and allocating resources to them based on their political loyalty rather than their abilities and qualifications. This intensifies corruption by fostering a culture in which competence is subordinate, resulting in inadequately qualified individuals assuming key positions and receiving benefits, thereby amplifying opportunities for unethical conduct. In turn, this practice undermines the effectiveness and integrity of public sector institutions. The purpose of this article is to offer a broader analysis and implications of political patronage and how it fuels corruption and governance in the South African public sector. This article employs a secondary research method through the review of existing literature to examine the nature of political patronage, its nexus with corruption and misgovernance in the public sector, drawing reference to contemporary, renowned corruption cases. This paper submits that overcoming these challenges necessitates a holistic approach that involves the professionalization of the public sector, robust measures to combat corruption, and improved transparency. The objective is to establish and promote a public service that emphasizes competence, responsibility, and the fulfilment of governance functions in order to serve the wider interests of citizens.

Humanitarian workers face numerous challenges when providing assistance to people affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other crises, which often leads to burnout and psychological distress. This qualitative study investigates the interplay of factors that contribute to burnout among Malaysian employees of a refugee-focused humanitarian organization. Ten staff members participated in focus group discussions, which revealed five themes: positive and meaningful emotions; difficult and negative emotions; vicarious trauma, stress, and burnout; work environment, culture, and managerial policies; and structural and governmental stressors. The study emphasizes the need for improved support and resources for humanitarian workers, as well as enhanced organizational policies and practices to prevent and mitigate burnout. The findings suggest that culturally adapted interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help humanitarian workers address their unique psychological challenges. More research is needed to examine the issues present within humanitarian organizations using qualitative methods and adapt appropriate interventions to prevent the development of psychopathology in these settings.